St Kitts and Nevis celebrated the 41st anniversary of the nation’s independence on September 19 2024. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew delivered the official Independence Day address, talking to the nationals on the momentous occasions.
He made his address in the historically prominent location of Bayford’s Estate in St Peter’s Parish. He said, “From this Vantage Point Freedom takes on a life of its own.” He talked about the spectacular views of Basseterre, surrounding communities and Nevis in the background.
According to him, the views evoke thoughts of the endless possibilities that lie ahead for the people He highlighted the history of the Bayford’s Estate and how previous generations of Kittian and Nevisians worked their way to the freedom of the nation.
“Today we have transformed this property once a symbol of bondage into a center for agricultural Innovation and sustainability.” The prime Minister expressed his pride in the nation’s growth and development.
The estate is a beacon of our nation’s drive to achieve food security and reduce their dependence on Imports. This is our commitment to CARICOM 25 by 25 agenda a commitment to feed ourselves by our own means by the year 2025
The Prime Minister added, “Independence is not just about economic or agricultural self-sufficiency it is also about the freedom to live in peace Safety and Security.
The administration under his leadership aims to raise the standard of living for the people and give them the opportunity for a better quality of life.
“Government has prioritized economic growth wage equity and the empowerment of our people and especially the youth.” The Prime Minister highlighted.
In the last year alone, we have reached significant Milestones that speak to our steadfast commitment.” The Prime Minister recollected in his address.
Starting January 1st 2024 the administration raised the national minimum wage from $360 per week to $430 per week. This is possibly the highest minimum wage in all the nations across the CARICOM The government aims to increase it further on July 1st 2025 ensuring that every worker earns a living wage.
They want to recognize the invaluable contribution of the public servants in our nation’s progress and implemented an 8% salary increase. Further, to empower the St Kitts and Nevis people with land ownership. We reduce interest rates on residential lands from 12% to 6% annually.
“We increase the Social Security pension from $430 to $500 per month ensuring that our elderly who have contributed to our nation can live with greater dignity and comfort. We have reinstated gratuity payments to retired government auxiliary employees helping in correct a historic wrong
Further, he highlighted that, as of July 2024, the government has paid pensions for all GAEs and other monthly paid government workers employed on or after May 18, 2022. Talking about further developments, PM Drew said they have started making a historic achievement in our social security framework.
They announced new programs in collaboration with National Development Bank and National Housing Corporation. “We are providing young entrepreneurs first time home owners and University students with the tools and resources they need to succeed building the foundation of a prosperous Future.” PM Drew claimed.
“These improvements in the lives of the people are worth celebrating but there’s still much ground to cover as we work to transform our nation into a truly independent developed and peaceful nation.” He added
He highlighted that it is important to understand that freedom carries with it a profound responsibility. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew said that it is their responsibility to maintain and sustain all the freedoms we enjoy in recent years.
He recollected, in his address that in the recent years, they had witnessed troubling rise in gun related crimes. The alarming rise in crime was not only only a problem in St Kitts and Nevis, but across the Caribbean.
“This epidemic of violence has claimed the lives of too many young men and women of St Kitts and Nevis” PM Drew said. He added that the lost lives were full of potential cut short by senseless acts of brutality.
“This is a direct assault on our freedom or freedom to live in peace and Tranquility” said the Prime Minister. He promised that they were all in this together the fight against crime and violence.
He believes that it is the responsibility of every citizen of St Kitts to do their part to create a safer more peaceful nation. Additionally, Dr Terrance Drew reflected on the progress that the leadership for the benefit of the of the people.